Obituary of Kathleen B. Gala

Kathleen B. “Kathy” Gala, 75, of Manchester, CT, most beloved wife of William “Bill” Gala, died peacefully on Saturday, July 21, 2018 at Hartford Hospital with her loving family by her side.  Kathy was born on February 8, 1943 in Brooklyn, NY to the late Francis and Alice (Priest) Kaiser; she was the eldest of eleven children.  She attended St. Clare’s School of Nursing in New York, and earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from the University of Hartford in West Hartford, CT.  Caring for others was Kathy’s passion, and it was reflected in her numerous activities.  She enjoyed a lifelong career in nursing, working at NYU, Rockville, and Hartford Hospital, where she worked in cardiology for several decades.  Kathy was a devout Catholic and a devoted member of St. Bartholomew Church, Parish of Saint Teresa of Calcutta in Manchester, CT for 40 years, where she enjoyed volunteering much of her time.  She was a Eucharistic Minister, she taught CCD, and she served as a member of the Parish Pastoral Council.  She participated in many ministries, the closest to her heart being the Legion of Mary.  Kathy enjoyed many religious retreats and pilgrimages, her most favorite being her journey to Medjugorje.  Besides her husband, Bill, of 49 years, Kathy is survived by her three children, Jeanette Prignano and her husband, Joe of Vernon, CT, Michelle Pressler and her husband, Jason of Lebanon, CT, and Joseph Gala of Manchester, CT, four grandchildren, Victoria, Joshua, William, and Owen, who held a special place in her heart, as well as siblings, nieces and nephews, and numerous friends.  The family would like to make a special thank you to the oncology team at both the Harry and Helen Gray Cancer Center and the compassionate care at CB2 at Hartford Hospital, especially Dr. Hong, Stephanie, Darcy, Luke, and Dorothy.  A wake will be held on Thursday, July 26^th from 4-8 PM and funeral mass on Friday, July 27^th at 11 AM both at St. Bartholomew Church, 736 Middle Turnpike East, Manchester, CT.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Haitian Health Foundation of Norwich, CT (online here).  The John F.Tierney Funeral Home, Manchester has care of the arrangements.  For online condolences please visit www.tierneyfueneralhome.com